Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has insisted that he’s “not done” trying to recruit point guard Rajon Rondo to join the franchise for next season.

The pair met for breakfast last year ahead of a Lakers-Boston Celtics game, although Bryant was adamant in interviews with the media after that they didn’t discuss trade deals or moving to Los Angeles.

Rondo went on to join the Dallas Mavericks instead but he will still be an unrestricted free agent this summer and it is not yet certain that he will remain.

Having moved to the Mavericks, Rondo has undoubtedly secured himself a shot at the championship this season as the Mavs will make the playoffs and hope to push on.

However, that hasn’t necessarily ruled out the possibility of playing for the Lakers next season as they continue to rebuild and hope to get back to competing in Bryant’s last year in the league.

Asked if he has finished working on trying to get Rondo to LA: “No way,” Bryant said. “I’m not done. I’m not stopping until he signs an extension.”

The Lakers aren’t expected to patiently rebuild through the Draft process as given the market and demanding nature of their following they need to be competing sooner rather than later.

As a result, Bryant has made no secret of his admiration for Rondo both as a player and competitor, and so he will likely be busy this summer trying to convince him that Los Angeles is a place to be next year.

Much will depend on what happens in Dallas this season as they are still considered the favourites to get the point guard to sign an extension.